Don’t worry, I hiss at him. It’s physically impossible for that to happen to you. Even through his thick sweater, anyone can tell that Mats’s arms are jacked.
I continue, A lot of guys say I’m not ladylike enough for them. After a few dates, it’s like they see me for the very first time and, shocker: this is how I dress. Nothing skimpy or sexy. I give my head a disgruntled shake. Really, it’s once we’ve had sex that guys start to see all my flaws. Before that, they have their horny goggles on. But sharing details of my sex life seems like too much information, even for the forthright Marjorie.
Mats is frowning. No doubt he prefers the perfect Barbie styling of women like Lana.
Men like that are no loss at all, Marjorie declares.
Geraldine whisks the dishes away and announces that it’s time for us to leave. It’s just after seven, but apparently Marjorie has an early bedtime. We thank them both for the meal and head out.
Once we’re in the car, I announce, If this was a competition, it’s pretty clear that I won. Marjorie likes me better.
Mats, as usual, says nothing. But I’m surprised to see a faint smile on his face.
4
ACCIDENTALLY POPULAR
MATS
WHEN BARB PEACHY SUMMONS ME FOR YET ANOTHER MEETING ON FRIDAY, I’M HOPEFUL OF GOOD news. Although it’s hard to believe that the shit show of Tuesday’s dinner impressed Marjorie Schultz. She may be hard of hearing, but she’s quite smart. Eccentric, but who wouldn’t be after spending years alone in that huge place?
Of course, I run into Cleo on the way to Barb’s office. Finding out that she’s Jordan Nelson’s sister makes me uncomfortable to be alone with her. Maybe I should have figured it out, but Nelson is a common name around here. They also look nothing alike, and my impression of Cleo is that she’s a leader and hard worker on the ice; again, unlike Jordan. Still, it explains her animosity.
I give her a nod, and she scowls at me.
I’m hoping that this meeting is to confirm the gazillions that Marjorie is giving the hockey program. And the even better news will be that we won’t have to spend another fucking second together, she says.
Fine with me, I reply. For me, the best part about Tuesday night was that it was a complete distraction. Sparring with Cleo was better than mooning about Lana.
Roy, Cleo. Welcome. Barb puts on a pair of turquoise-framed glasses and beams at us. Again, I must apologize for leaving you in the lurch on Tuesday.
How’s your son? I ask.
He dislocated his shoulder. It was pretty painful, but he should be better in a few weeks. Meanwhile, he’s taking full advantage and trying to get out of all his homework and chores. She shakes her head. But let’s get down to business. I heard that your dinner with Marjorie went very well.
Not the way I’d describe that meal, but fine.
Barb continues without waiting for a reply. However, she hasn’t committed to anything yet, and she’s made a rather… interesting request.
I swallow. With the outspoken Marjorie, it could be anything.
She has the impression that the two of you are a couple. Is that right?
I stare in shock. Cleo, probably for the first time in recorded history, has nothing to say.
We are definitely not a couple, I insist. I’m not sure what the opposite of couple is, but that’s what we are. Two people who don’t ever want to spend time together.
Barb’s smile hasn’t dimmed at all. It’s funny how these wrong impressions develop. But she has specifically requested to see more of that ‘nice young hockey couple.’
What does that mean, exactly? I ask uneasily, since Cleo is still shocked silent.
She’d like to have dinner with the two of you every Tuesday night for the rest of the term.
Given that it’s mid-January now, that means at least ten more dinners. I’m already shaking my head when Cleo interjects, There’s no fu—freaking way. Look, Barb, maybe I should have told you this before, but I would prefer to work with literally any other player on the men’s team. There’s no way that I can do this.
What’s the problem between you two? Barb asks in a neutral tone.
But instead of coming out with the whole story—which I’d also like to understand from her point of view—Cleo hedges. Roy has done things that I don’t agree with. He’s not someone I respect.
